Sentul: Team Great Britain preview

This weekend marks A1 Grand Prix's debut in Indonesia. The circuit looks set
to provide a striking contrast to the Durban Street Race, and guarantees
dynamic and challenging racing. Narrow margins between series points will
demand fighting...

This weekend marks A1 Grand Prix's debut in Indonesia. The circuit looks set
to provide a striking contrast to the Durban Street Race, and guarantees
dynamic and challenging racing. Narrow margins between series points will
demand fighting finishes, as teams struggle to elevate their positions
within the closing chapters of this inaugural season.

The Sentul Circuit in
Indonesia lies 8km from Bogor, West Java, and constitutes a fast and wide
surface, boasting 11 turns over the 3.95km track. The variety of racing
lines will present many overtaking opportunities, and requires a very
different race strategy in comparison to the straight lines of the Durban
circuit.

Located near the major commercial cities of Jakarta, Bogor, and
Bandung, the Sentul Circuit hosts up to 25 meetings a year, but is yet to
feature within four- wheeled international calendars. The circuit has
predominantly been used for the Asian F3 series, and has featured within
MotoGP and Superbike racing calendars.

After Great Britain's disappointment
in the Durban Feature Race, Kerr's determination will fuel a passionate
campaign for the number one spot this weekend. With only five points
separating Kerr and Piquet Jnr, the race to claim third place is becoming
heated. Threats from behind will also flavour Team Great Britain's racing.
Team New Zealand are on the offensive, and are keen to dilute Great
Britain's four point lead.

Nevertheless Robbie is adamant that the team will
be "looking forward, not looking behind. All in all we are looking to the
podium and are intending to overtake Brazil in the series standing." Having
never raced in Indonesia before, this will certainly be a pragmatic
experience for Team Great Britain. Huge corners, hot conditions, and extreme
humidity are set to challenge both mechanics and drivers.

Even the
formidable French driver Nicholas Lapierre has voiced concern about the
conditions, and believes the racing "will be very physically demanding
because of the heat and the humidity." Kerr agrees that "the weather will
play a big part this weekend."

Currently relaxing with the rest of the team
at their hotel, Kerr sounds confident, determined, and driven. The pressure
to claim that eagerly anticipated top spot will be felt throughout the team.
One thing is certain however, and as John Surtees proclaims "Robbie's speed
and agility in Durban highlighted his skill and talent as a driver. Robbie
is a performer, and he is currently flying."

Kerr claims to be eagerly
awaiting the engineers, who arrive in Indonesia tomorrow. "No doubt we will
want to make changes to the engine in order to take advantage of the circuit
conditions. I am really excited about the high speed of the track, which
suits my style of driving." With race day looming, Kerr's ambitions for the
weekend are succinct; "I want to be on the podium, our strategy is to win."

A1 and Indonesian officials are expecting high levels of national support
for the Grand Prix. Predictions of crowds 50,000 strong will complement the
fact that Indonesia enjoys the second highest viewing figures in the series.
A1 is a welcome visitor to Indonesia in the context of recent internal
political turmoil, the Asian financial crisis, the devastating Bali
bombings, and the 2004 Tsunami. The presence of an international sporting
event aids President Yudhoyono's bid to rehabilitate the national economy
and strengthen international relations. Indeed the strength of national
support behind A1 has proven to be valuable in the promotion of Indonesian
identity within a global forum.

A1 Team Indonesia has already proven to be a
major platform for the promotion of Indonesian brands, products and
services. Indonesian Team Principal Soetikno Soedarjo claims that "the world
cup of motor sport excites anyone who is passionate about their heritage,
country, and population." This weekend will not only offer exciting racing,
but will also represent a significant political and sporting milestone
within Indonesia.

Friday will see Team GBR take to the track for the
official practice sessions, as the team prepare for Saturday's qualifying
sessions, and Sunday's races. The Sentul Circuit in Indonesia heralds fresh
opportunities for Robbie; and promises dramatic developments for Team Great
Britain.